Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating and producing gas and liquid from a subterranean production zone via a well in fluid communication with the zone. After separation in the well, the gas is produced to the surface, compressed, and injected into an injection zone which is also in fluid communication with the well. The liquid is pumped to a production facility at the surface.

Abstract: A blasthole drill is provided with sensors for sensing the pressure (AP) applied to and through a drill bit to convey cuttings from the drill hole, the rate of rotation (N) of the drill bit, the torque (RT) required to rotate the bit, the force (FB) applied axially to the bit and the instantaneous vertical position (Y) of the bit. Output signals from the sensors are applied to a microprocessor-based controller which computes the penetration of the drill bit per revolution of the bit (P/R) and the rock specific fracture energy (Es). Using the sensed values and the computed values, the controller produces output signals to increment/decrement the force (FB) applied axially to the drill. The applied axial force is controlled such that the penetration of the bit per revolution remains substantially constant for a given range of values of the rock specific fracture energy but varies for different ranges of the rock specific fracture energy. The rate of rotation of the drill bit is controlled to a reference value.

Abstract: Described is a device for driving into the ground which includes a drive point, a fluid passage section, an annular seal and an annular drive rod. The annular seal is the widest member and fits snugly in a borehole formed after the device is driven into the ground to form a seal. Specially configured drive points are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable modular drainage system that is attached to a series of cylindrical planting containers. The system comprises a plurality of peaked modules with opposing, convergent curved side walls designed to conform to the curve of a planting container. Between each side wall is a notch which accepts one or more containers and firmly connects the module to the containers. The modules are preferably designed in four distinct shapes, one with quadrature symmetry for connecting four containers at once, one smaller triangular unit which connects three staggered containers, one three-legged unit that connects two containers which are positioned at an edge of a plant farm, and one edge unit designed to connect three staggered containers at the end of three rows. When these modules are appropriately connected to the containers, they effectively drain the water that would otherwise have fallen between the pots directly into the pots.

Abstract: A watering system which permits the convenient watering of potted plants and trees, in particular, evergreen trees, i.e. Christmas trees, in tree stands. The watering system is a tubular device having one end enlarged to form a funnel-like receptacle to receive the water or other liquid which is delivered via the tubular device to the pot or stand through an exit port at the opposite end. The base of the watering system is upheld upright by a band hooked about a projection on the watering system which supports the system against the base of a plant or tree. Between the two ends of the watering system, there is a bend which causes the funnel-like receptacle to extend beyond or into the foliage providing easy access for watering. Decorating elements may be added to camouflage or add ornamentation as desired. The watering system may be divided into several segments for convenience of storage and/or manufacturer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device which, when inserted and affixed to an open grid deck spaces of an open grid bridge, provides increased traction for trespassing motor vehicles. The invention also pertains to methods of affixing the traction providing devices in various spacial arrangements.

Abstract: A modular ramp system for use with a threshold which has an offset. The modular ramp system includes a number of elements which may be arranged in various combinations in order to conform to offsets of varying height.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuous batch operation for producing an elastomeric asphaltic compound of rubber and asphalt for paving purposes comprising an essentially cylindrical mixing tank containing rotary internal agitators, preferably at three levels within the tank. The apparatus is equipped with a asphalt oil pump, which flows asphalt oil through a pre-heater into the mixing tanks, and with a separate spiral or screw conveyor for loading through the top of the tank a continuous supply of fine rubber at a controllable feed rate. The entire tank is suspended upon a frame supported by load cells so as to provide a continuing measurement of the total weight of the asphalt load and of the added rubber. The temperature of the asphalt oil raised by the pre-heater until substantially all the asphalt oil reacts with the rubber in the time required to flow the mixture through the stirring tanks, providing a continuous flow process for providing paving grade asphalt rubber mixtures.

Abstract: A stationary inclined platform is positioned along the edge of a train platform such that train passengers approach the edge of the train platform will notice the sudden uphill orientation of the warning platform and will realize that they are approaching the train track area. The warning platform includes a nonskid surface and extends into the track area to bring passengers closer to the train doors. The warning platform is particular useful to visually impaired passengers and facilitates wheelchair access to the train.

Abstract: A plant tie including an elongate strip of flaccid or cloth material having flexible cloth fastener elements on the opposed ends thereof for selective engagement with each other to secure the strip about a plant stem. A mounting element is positioned centrally of the strip and includes an enlarged pressure-receiving head engaged with one face of the strip and an elongate pin shaft engaged through the strip and projecting beyond the other face thereof for manually driving into engagement with a wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling, cracking, and withdrawing solid each cores, the method commencing with coring the earth using a conventional rotary core drill (20). The core drill is withdrawn to leave an attached earth core (26) and a drilled core groove (24). A hydraulically powered core cracker assembly (40) sized to fit the drilled groove is screwed into the groove. A ram drawer (44) built into the cracker assembly is activated to break off the earth core at its base. The cracker assembly is then withdrawn and a hydraulically powered core grabber/remover assembly (70) sized to fit the drilled groove is screwed into the groove, activated to engage the earth core, and hoisted to remove the earth core from the drill hole. Preferred embodiments of the core cracker and core grabber/remover assemblies are described.

Abstract: The claimed apparatus is a bottom hole choke device for regulating the flow within gas and oil producing wells. The apparatus includes a screen for preventing sand from entering the production string, a flow-restricting choke, and a check valve for preventing back flow into the well.

Abstract: A stage valve with particular use in cementing a well bore annulus where the stage valve has pressure operated valve member for opening a flow passage in the stage valve and the valve member has differential pressure areas which maintain the valve member open while a fluid moves through the flow passage in one direction and which can be closed by fluid moving in an opposite direction. The flow passage has a choke to develop a pressure differential from the flow of fluid. Spring members can be used with the valve member to close the flow passage when the pressure differential of the fluid flow in one direction is insufficient to maintain the valve member in an open position.

Abstract: A device for the continuous watering of plants, including a reservoir provided at its lower part with a base having at least one opening, the reservoir being connected by its base to a stabilization leg which contains an absorbing or filtering material and ends into a tapered soil penetration guide. The stabilization leg has at least one blade connected to a central hollow tube containing the absorbing or filtering material and having at least one opening provided for creating a communication between the absorbing or filtering material and the soil. The absorbing or filtering material is positioned in such a way that at least one wick connected to the reservoir and suspended above the absorbing or filtering material acts as a drip.

Abstract: A gravel-packing apparatus and method is disclosed which involves a movable sleeve over a screen. The screen is fixed to a packer downhole while the sleeve is operated from the surface. As the sleeve is lifted to expose more of the screen, the granular material deposits along the outside of the screen and through the exposed perforations, starting from the packer and working its way up. The annulus is sealed by multiple cup seals or other suitable seals for the environment so that the slurry pressure applied from the surface is directed to deposition of the granular material adjacent the exposed perforations. As more granular material is deposited, the crew at the surface may further pull the sleeve up or the developed pressure downhole itself can force the sleeve further up, exposing additional perforations and continuing the deposition process of the granular material.

Abstract: A foldable ramp includes first and second sections longitudinally aligned with each other and joined by a hinge assembly permitting the sections to be pivoted to a working position in which the sections form a continuous, substantially straight ramp with adjoining ends abutting against each other and a storage position in which one of the first and second ramp sections is folded against the other. The hinge assembly includes four links extending along the first and second ramp sections and first and second pins transversely extending through the first and second ramp sections, respectively, and through each of the links.

Abstract: A structurally strong plant support ring and fastening device usable for supporting plants such as tomato plants and which is adapted to be fastened to a T-shaped support post. The fastener portion of the device has a flange portion adapted to abut a facing flange of the post and an opening adapted to abut one of a plurality of spaced fingers extending out from said facing flange. An arm extending from said flange portion is formed into a hook at the distal end thereof and is adapted to grasp the edge of a post flange extending at a right angle from said facing flange. A ring integral with said flange portion extends out from said flange portion and has a lower supporting brace. In one variation the support ring has a removable arc segment which permits the ring to be easily placed around plants that are ordinarily too tall for placement over the top of the plant.

Abstract: A surface wellhead system for a subsea well utilizes a two-piece casing hanger. The casing hanger has an inner member that secures to a string of casing that extends from the sea floor to a surface casing head. The outer member of the casing hanger is axially adjustable relative to the inner member and will hold tension in the casing. The outer member lands on a load shoulder in the casing head. An annulus outer seal seals between the exterior of the outer member and the bore of the casing head. An inner seal seals between the inner member and the bore of the outer member.

Abstract: A novel lateral connector receptacle or LCR is provided which functions to (1) provide means for running a lower completion into a well; (2) provide means for orienting a retrievable whipstock assembly and/or scoophead diverter; and (3) provides means for attaching an upper completion to a lower completion. The LCR includes an upper section having a latch thread and smooth seal bore which respectively threadably attaches to, and mates with seals from, an orientation anchor. A middle section of the LCR includes an orientation lug for mating with the orientation anchor and providing a fixed reference point to the retrievable whip stock and/or scoophead/diverter assembly; and a lower section includes an inner mating (e.g., profiled) surface for attachment to an appropriate run-in tool.

Abstract: A planter having a label which may be utilized for identifying the plant or seedling present within the soil of the planter. The planter includes a container having a flange extending around the top end on which the label is positioned. The label may be either an integrally molded writable surface or an adhesive attached writable surface. A plurality of labeled positions are disclosed and an alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a moisture indicator for identifying the presence of liquid within the soil.